OnePlus 9 vs OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite
Shop Android Smartphones
OnePlus 9
Starting at
£201.96
OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite
Starting at
£170.00What's the difference between the OnePlus 9 and OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite?
OnePlus 9 vs Nord CE 3 Lite comes down to the chipset, battery and screen size. Refurbished, the OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite starts at £170, £31.96 less than the OnePlus 9. The OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite is the newer model, released in 2022.
Refurbished from
Chipset
Battery
Screen size
Screen type
Main camera
- Chipset: Qualcomm SM8350 Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) on the OnePlus 9, Qualcomm SM6375 Snapdragon 695 5G (6 nm) on the OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite.
- The OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite has a bigger battery: 5000 mAh vs 4500 mAh.
- Screen size: 6.55 inch on the OnePlus 9, 6.59 inch on the OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite.
OnePlus 9 vs OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite specs
The OnePlus 9 and the OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite both run Android and support 5G, but they cater to different needs. The OnePlus 9 offers a more powerful Snapdragon 888 chipset and options for 128GB or 256GB storage, suiting those who want higher performance and more built-in space. The OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite has a larger 5000 mAh battery and a microSDXC slot for storage expansion, making it a good choice if longer battery life and additional storage are priorities. The OnePlus 9 uses a Fluid AMOLED screen for richer colours, while the Nord CE 3 Lite has a slightly bigger IPS LCD screen. Photography preferences may also influence choice, as the Nord CE 3 Lite provides a 108 megapixels main camera compared to 48 megapixels on the OnePlus 9.
OnePlus 9 vs OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite price
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- 128GBSold out
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OnePlus 9 vs OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite battery life and software updates
Battery size and software updates are key durability factors. Battery capacity differs, impacting how long each device lasts between charges.
Battery Capacity
The OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite has a 5000 mAh battery, which generally means it will last longer on a single charge compared to the OnePlus 9's 4500 mAh battery. If you need a phone that can sustain longer use without charging, the Nord CE 3 Lite suits that need better.
Battery
Fast charging
Foldable
Wireless charging
Year of release
OnePlus 9 vs OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite performance
Performance depends on chipset, memory, and storage options. Both phones have 8 GB of RAM, keeping everyday apps running smoothly, but chipset and storage differ.
Processor
The OnePlus 9 features a Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G chipset built on a 5 nm process, which offers higher performance potential. The OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite uses a Snapdragon 695 5G chipset with a 6 nm process, suited for everyday use. If you use demanding apps or multitask heavily, the OnePlus 9 provides extra power.
Storage Options
The OnePlus 9 is available with either 128GB or 256GB of storage, offering more room for apps, photos, and files. The OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite comes with 128GB storage. If you need more built-in space, the OnePlus 9's higher capacity model is suitable.
Chipset
RAM
OnePlus 9 vs OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite screen
Both phones offer a high 120 Hz refresh rate and the same 1080 x 2400 resolution, but screen technology and size differ, influencing display quality and viewing experience.
Screen Type and Experience
The OnePlus 9 has a 6.55 inch Fluid AMOLED screen, which generally provides more vibrant colours and deeper blacks. The OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite has a slightly larger 6.59 inch IPS LCD screen, which offers good colour accuracy and brightness but with a different visual feel. Choose the OnePlus 9 if you prioritise richer display quality, or the Nord CE 3 Lite if you prefer a larger screen area.
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
OnePlus 9 vs OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite camera
Camera capabilities differ in main camera resolution while front cameras match, affecting photo detail and selfie quality.
Main Camera Detail
The OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite has a 108 megapixels main camera, capturing more detail in photos, which benefits photography enthusiasts who want high-resolution images. The OnePlus 9 offers a 48 megapixels main camera, which still produces sharp photos but with fewer pixels.
Front Camera
Both phones have a 16 megapixels front camera, ensuring similar selfie quality and video call performance.
Front camera
Main camera
OnePlus 9 vs OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite size and design
Other differences include size, SIM options, storage expansion, and weight, which can influence daily usability and convenience.
SIM and Storage Expansion
The OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite supports dual physical SIM cards and has a microSDXC slot for storage expansion. This suits users who want to manage two numbers or increase storage with a memory card. The OnePlus 9 offers a single physical SIM and no SD card slot.
Size and Weight
The OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite is slightly taller at 165.5 mm and wider at 76 mm, weighing 195 g. The OnePlus 9 measures 160 mm in height, 74.2 mm in width, and weighs 192 g. The Nord CE 3 Lite's larger size provides a bit more screen space but may feel bulkier in hand.
Thickness
The OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite is 8.3 mm thick, a little slimmer than the OnePlus 9, which is 8.7 mm thick. This difference may be noticeable if you prefer a thinner phone.
Carrier and Network
Both phones are unlocked and support 5G, giving you flexibility with carriers and access to fast mobile networks.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
SD card slot
SIM card
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Width
OnePlus 9 or OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite: which should you buy?
Buy the OnePlus 9 if
- you want an OLED screen
Buy the OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £170, £31.96 less than the OnePlus 9
- you want a bigger battery (5000 mAh vs 4500 mAh)
- you want a higher-resolution main camera (108 megapixels vs 48 megapixels)
What our customers say
Customers who chose the OnePlus 9 often praise its condition and smooth operation. Many say the phone looks like new or almost new, with little or no visible wear. Users comment on the phone running fast and smoothly, with one describing it as a big change from an older device. The battery life receives mixed remarks. Some find it needs frequent charging, and others mention overheating that required updates. Overall, customers appreciate the phone's responsiveness and ease of use.
Feedback on the OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite highlights satisfaction with the phone's condition. Some users note issues with the touch panel feeling like a replacement part, affecting touch responsiveness at times. Others find the phone good for everyday use and value its condition when described as excellent. A few mention the price feeling high but still report satisfaction.
The OnePlus 9 suits those looking for strong performance and a refined display, while the Nord CE 3 Lite appeals to users who want longer battery life, dual SIM capability, and expandable storage.
OnePlus 9 vs OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite FAQs
OnePlus 9 vs Nord CE 3 Lite comes down to the chipset, battery and screen size. Chipset: Qualcomm SM8350 Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) on the OnePlus 9, Qualcomm SM6375 Snapdragon 695 5G (6 nm) on the OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite. The OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite has a bigger battery: 5000 mAh vs 4500 mAh.
The OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite is cheaper refurbished, from £170 compared with £201.96 for the OnePlus 9.
The OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite has a bigger battery: 5000 mAh vs 4500 mAh.
The OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite has a higher-resolution main camera: 108 megapixels vs 48 megapixels.
The OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite adds a bigger battery (5000 mAh vs 4500 mAh), a higher-resolution main camera (108 megapixels vs 48 megapixels) and a memory card slot. Refurbished, it costs £31.96 less (from £170 vs £201.96).
Refurbished, the OnePlus 9 comes in 128GB and 256GB, and the OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite in 128GB.
